summer time food safety

No one wants to be indoors cooking in the hot summer weather. It's a perfect time of year to head out to the beach or a park for a picnic. To ensure it is a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, keep the following in mind.

· 80% of food-borne illness is caused by poor food handling - rather than bacteria already in the food. It is important to consider proper food handling in these 5 areas:
1. When buying food - check expiry dates, ensure proper refrigeration and that there is no damage to the packaging
2. When storing food - ensure proper refrigeration, consider the shelf life and use foods within a reasonable period of time
3. When preparing food - use clean utensils in a clean work area
4. When eating food - wash hands thoroughly before eating - ideally wash for up to 30 seconds!
5. When cleaning up - return foods to the fridge as soon as possible and wash dishes properly

· When packing for a picnic, remember to keep foods cold - use a cooler and ice packs. A picnic basket is more romantic and fun - so if using it, be sure to include ice packs.
· The danger zone for food poisoning is between 4 and 60 degrees Celcius - so keep cold foods cold (4 degrees or less) and hot foods hot (above 60 degrees).
· Some of the safest foods to bring on a picnic include: canned beans, nuts, peanut butter or cooked meats for protein, fruits and vegetables, breads, crackers or cookies, cold canned and bottled drinks
· The highest risk items for spoilage include: uncooked chicken, eggs, mayonnaise, cream-filled pastries, dairy products, fish, shellfish and sushi
· The 3 most common bacteria that can cause food poisoning are:
1. Salmonella - mostly from poultry and eggs
2. Staphylococcus - mostly from meat and poultry, cream-filled foods, leftovers
3. E-coli - mostly from unpasteurized foods, soft cheeses, undercooked meat, water

· Symptoms of food poisoning include: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and chills. These symptoms can hit anywhere from 2 to 48 hours after ingesting spoiled. Treat with rest, re-hydration, BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast)

The Bottom Line
· Do whatever it takes to keep food cold
· Don't pack your cooler or picnic basket until the last minute. Minimize transportation time to the picnic area or ensure you have an adequate supply of ice. Avoid storing the food in a warm trunk of the car.